Saturday, 30 November 2013

37405 was new as D6982 in June 1965 from Vulcan Foundry, allocated to 86A (Cardiff Canton). It was converted to 37405 in August 1985. Following EWS service, returned to service for DRS in March 2013.

37261 was on the rear. New as D6961 from Vulcan Foundry in January 1965 and allocated to Sheffield Darnall. EWS stopped using it in 1999, after which it saw usage in France. In East Lancs and NYMR service with Ian Riley in early 2004, then sold to West Coast in May that year, working on Royal Scotsman duties through 2005 as Loch Arkaig. Then onwards to DRS, working from late 2005 with some periods in store, including at Eastleigh. Overhauled, return to traffic February 2012. This is only its second railtour duty since sale to DRS.

37261 had been run around at Salisbury, to provide top&tail for exit from Portsmouth Harbour.

A few minutes earlier, Ian Knight captured 37405 leading the train at Dunbridge.

UPDATE: Tangmere got into difficulties about ¼ mile east of Winchfield on the return trip, with part of connecting rod reported coming apart from crosshead, and some damage to 3rd rail equipment. The train was terminated at Basingstoke some 200 minutes late, and 47580 took the steam locomotive and stock to Acton Lane Yard, for return to Southall.

Class 70
70018 has now had its engine removed at Brush Loughborough
70020 is back to work, but earlier was reported failed on the Southampton - Wentloog, on Tuesday 29th, after only a few yards. It then returned to service on Garston workings, Wednesday 30th.